Third Hokage

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Hiruzen Sarutobi
Alias(es)	Third Hokage; Third Elder; “Old Man Third” / “Old Third Hokage” (used by his students) 66
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Konohagakure
Occupation/Role	Third Hokage; teacher of the Sarutobi Squad; authority over the Anbu
Status	Abdicated as Hokage and named Uchiha Hikaru his successor 740
First Appearance	Chapter 10

Background

As Konoha’s Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi personally taught Uchiha Hikaru, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru. Though he ensured they received resources beyond those available to ordinary students, his duties prevented him from accompanying them on missions like an ordinary jonin instructor. Hikaru’s inclusion in the team was part of Hiruzen’s own plan. 40

Hiruzen initially treated Hikaru’s Uchiha heritage cautiously. He observed the boy’s training but declined to assign Anbu protection because it could arouse the Uchiha Clan’s suspicions. 10 When Uchiha Xiu suspected him of trying to take or brainwash Hikaru, Hiruzen rejected that interpretation: he wanted Hikaru to become a bridge between Konoha and the Uchiha, but regarded him as a disciple rather than a tool. 78

After Hikaru’s Sharingan became public knowledge, Hiruzen refused Uchiha demands to remove him from the Sarutobi Squad. He used his authority as Hokage to protect the arrangement, warned that open conflict would isolate the Uchiha against several major Konoha clans, and advised Hikaru to learn about the Sharingan and genjutsu from his clan elders. 79

His trust in Hikaru developed gradually. After apologizing for failing to fully trust his disciple, Hiruzen ordered Hikaru into the Anbu as captain of the Sixth Squad and suggested that the position of Anbu Minister could eventually be his. 131 He later supported Hikaru’s appointment as Anbu Captain despite opposition from Konoha’s higher-ups. 209

Hiruzen’s position was repeatedly constrained by the Elder Council. During the Seven-Tails crisis, he admitted to Hikaru that the council had opposed even his proposal to personally intervene, leaving him unable to assemble a satisfactory response. 179 He nonetheless continued to prioritize Konoha’s reputation and took responsibility for resolving the incident as Hokage. 195

As Danzo’s actions became increasingly dangerous, Hiruzen investigated him. The discovery of Danzo’s laboratory, containing living and dead test subjects, confirmed the scale of his violations and prompted Hiruzen to confront him with Anbu forces. 728

When the Uchiha prepared to leave Konoha, Hiruzen chose to abdicate due to age and lack of energy, transferring the Hokage position to Uchiha Hikaru. The appointment kept the Uchiha Clan in the village and left the Elder Council unable to openly oppose the decision. 740

Personality

Hiruzen is patient, pragmatic, and deeply invested in Konoha’s stability. He values the village’s public standing, such as its reputation with the Land of Fire’s Daimyo, and favors reform over execution for prisoners whenever possible. 158 195

He is also burdened by compromise. His tendency to accommodate the Elder Council and other powerful interests leaves him frustrated when he cannot act decisively, particularly in matters involving the Uchiha or Danzo. He recognizes that Hikaru is often targeted unfairly, but asks him to endure because the political situation cannot be changed quickly. 169

Despite his formal authority, Hiruzen maintains an unusually casual relationship with his four disciples. Their use of irreverent nicknames reflects personal closeness rather than hostility, and he often responds to Hikaru’s provocations with exasperation rather than anger. 66 500

Abilities & Skills

Ninjutsu Mastery

Hiruzen is known as the “Professor of Ninjutsu.” He possesses all five elemental affinities, knows and can use nearly every ninjutsu, and applies elemental techniques with exceptional flexibility. 298

• Possesses Fire, Wind, Lightning, Earth, and Water chakra affinities. 298
• His combat potential is limited chiefly by chakra reserves rather than technical knowledge; Hikaru notes that greater reserves would make his strength astonishing. 298
• He remains one of Konoha’s leading fighters during his prime. 363

Leadership and Political Authority

As Hokage, Hiruzen holds Konoha’s highest authority and commands the village’s direct forces, including the Anbu. 79 169

• Protects his disciples through official decisions, including refusing demands to remove Hikaru from the Sarutobi Squad. 79
• Assigns missions, approves transfers, and oversees departmental organization. 82 522 560
• Consults the Elder Council on major policy matters, though their opposition frequently limits his freedom to act. 179 273

Relationships

• Uchiha Hikaru — His disciple and eventual successor. Hiruzen initially distrusts Hikaru because of the Uchiha issue, but protects him from clan pressure, apologizes for that lack of trust, and ultimately abdicates in his favor. 10 79 131 740
• Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru — His disciples alongside Hikaru. Their familiar teasing includes calling him “Old Man Third.” 66
• Shimura Danzo — A fellow disciple and political rival. Hiruzen rejects Danzo’s request to recruit Hikaru into Root and later exposes Danzo’s illegal human experimentation. 82 728
• Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura — Elder Council representatives whom Hiruzen consults on high-level affairs; their resistance repeatedly complicates his decisions. 195 273
• Hatake Sakumo — A trusted Konoha shinobi whose transfer back to the village receives Hiruzen’s seal. 522
• Land of Fire Daimyo — Hiruzen is Konoha’s principal liaison with the Daimyo and one of the few village figures the Daimyo respects. 158

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Sarutobi Squad formation — Takes Hikaru into his team with Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru, providing them exceptional resources while remaining unable to lead missions personally. 40
• Uchiha political conflict — Defends Hikaru’s place in the squad against Uchiha pressure while hoping the boy can reconcile the clan and village. 78 79
• Anbu advancement — Appoints Hikaru to lead the Sixth Squad, later supports his rise to Anbu Captain, and gradually entrusts him with greater authority. 131 209
• Seven-Tails crisis — Faces Elder Council obstruction while attempting to protect Konoha’s reputation and resolve the crisis. 179 195
• Danzo investigation — Leads Anbu forces against Danzo after uncovering evidence of his long-running experiments. 728
• Succession crisis — Ends the Uchiha departure threat by abdicating and appointing Hikaru as the next Hokage. 740

Notable Quotes

“Gentlemen, don't forget, I am the Third Hokage of Konoha!” 195

“Fine, you come sit here, and do whatever you want!!!” 632

“You... you... you've all disappointed me so much!!!” 728

Trivia

• Hiruzen habitually smokes a pipe, especially when stressed or depressed. 195 500
• He is described as the busiest person in Konoha due to the demands of managing the village. 273 565
• Although his students call him “Old Man Third,” they consider the nickname a sign of closeness and respect. 66